Tapping into the recent interest in self-sustaining plant communities, Hitchmough has developed a method of mixing seeds for successful results, and eliminating the need to purchase large numbers of small plants. His approach selects seeds based on matching their needs and characteristics to the site. The book is a map for anyone who wants to follow his path. What makes it different from most garden books is its focus on seeds.

The first part of the book includes Looking to Nature for Inspiration and Design Wisdom, Designing Naturalistic Herbaceous Plant Communities, Seed Mix Design, Implementation and Initial Establishment and Establishment and Management. Throughout, the author helps the reader understand how plants function ecologically, and how this can be translated into design. There is a fascinating history that looks at the intersection of industrial agriculture, development of fertilizers and meadow planting. A lengthy discussion of plant communities and the role of the native will appeal to enthusiasts.

In the first chapter, Hitchmough explains how the appearance of a plant can be a guide to the conditions it needs. He looks at the importance of evaluating your site, as well as aesthetic and logistical aspects of designing seed mixes. Tables list hundreds of species and the how-to steps of sowing, growing and enjoying are described in detail. It’s a scientific approach with plenty of charts and diagrams that make it easy to understand. For example, a diagram of the key decision-making steps in designing a perennial seed mix uses arrows to guide through the process. A photo of a gardener on all fours emphasizes the need to get down close to see what’s emerging from a sown field.

A collection of 11 case studies illustrates what has worked and not during the past 20 years of the author’s involvement.

Instead of a dark corner to avoid, Carey views shade as something to celebrate in the garden. Her experiences growing up in England and living in Pennsylvania shine a light on “dazzling plants, design ideas and proven techniques for your shady garden.” Her goal in writing the book was to share the joy in making a retreat in your yard, honouring the change and growth that takes place over time.

She begins by advising gardeners to observe the shifting patterns in the garden, noting types of shade, times and seasons of shade, and levels of shade from treetops to ground covers.

The Gardener’s Calendar combines seasonal plants with tasks throughout the year. Handy lists recommend shade plants for each season. Each is accompanied by a landscape and close-up photograph.

In Down and Dirty, the author provides tips on improving soil, charts of acidic and alkaline preferring plants and mycorrhizae (beneficial fungi). She also explains allelopathy, the process produced by some plants, such as black walnut trees, that interferes with neighbouring ones.

Planting for Success shares techniques and maintenance from clearing an area, pruning, working beside buildings, preparing, placing and planting, to fertilizing, and dealing with pests and diseases.

Designing in the Shadows is a complete look at possible shady spaces, from xeriscape to tropical, woodland to water, moss to rocks, Japanese to Mediterranean styles. The photos offer inspiration and illustration. There is even a section on children’s gardens.

The Plant Palette gives advice on smart selection. Again, the use of charts, lists and photographs enhance the text.

Recommend for: This is a book novice or experienced gardeners will find informative for designing and maintaining a shade garden.

Aimed at helping gardeners choose plants that require less maintenance and less water, this book is produced by Plant Select, a non-profit organization based in Colorado. As such, the plants are tested for a high plains, intermountain climate, but the information is useful for a range of conditions. The book serves as a compendium of plants that have proven to be hardy and non-invasive and are available commercially.

An introduction includes general cultural information, notes on the natural landscape and plant origins, and Plant Select’s seven evaluation points (thrives in broad range of conditions, flourishes with less water, resilient in challenging climates, uniqueness, disease and insect resistance, long-lasting beauty and non-invasiveness). There are easy-to-use charts on soil types, hardiness zones and icons.

The rest of the book provides plant profiles divided into tender perennials and annuals, petites, ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses, vines, shrubs, trees and conifers. Each profile includes graphics to see at a glance the size, growing habits and requirements, as well as use in the landscape and native range and origin.

Recommend for: This is a basic, no-nonsense approach that makes a good reference for gardeners looking for less work but no less beauty in their gardens.

Essential Pruning Techniques: Trees, Shrubs, Conifers

By George E. Brown, revised and expanded by Tony Kirkham

First written 44 years ago, Brown’s book was the standard on pruning. The back of this book claims it is “the definitive guide for home gardeners and professionals” with updated and expanded information. Kirkham has worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew since 1978 and is head of the arboretum, gardens and horticulture services.

Pruning, while being one of the most important tasks, is also one of the most misunderstood. To address misconceptions and provide how-to knowledge, the new edition contains step-by-step photographs and detailed instructions. It is divided into general principles of pruning; specific pruning advice, abelia to zenobia; complemented by organizations and products, references and further reading.

The first chapter poses the question “why prune?” and gives five compelling reasons. It proceeds to give details of how to prune for each reason, with photographs. Rule one in pruning is to understand what a plant is trying to do, then help it or give it other instructions, according to the Foreword by Hugh Johnson. The second half of the book looks at plant agendas and how to deal with them.

The illustrations enhance the information. Seven line drawings instantly show tree forms and shapes, for example. Photographs clarify everything from techniques to tools. Seeing exactly where to snip alternate or opposite buds is much easier than text. If you’ve wondered how, when or where to prune, the answers are here. The rose section alone is 14 pages. A globe cedar that has outgrown its location may get a renovation pruning instead of removal after reading this text.

Recommend for: Gardeners who want to do more than stick a plant in the ground and hope for the best.